Bandipora, Feb 22: Notwithstanding the tall claims of the State Government to improve the road connectivity in the rural areas, the road links in this North Kashmir district are in dilapidated condition causing immense hardships to the commuters.
 “The roads connecting remote areas including Lawaypora, Pazalpora, Arin Dardpora, Bankoot, Ashtangoo, Kanibathi, Aloosa, Puthushay and Mangnipora with district headquarter are dotted with potholes and have been completely neglected by the authorities,” the inhabitants of these areas told Greater Kashmir. They said despite holding many demonstrations seeking immediate repairs of these roads, the concerned department showed lackadaisical attitude towards the issue.
 “We also approached the officials of R&B Department many times with representations, but they turned deaf ears to our repeated pleas,” Saleem Ahmed said.
 Citing reason of dilapidated roads, he said many transporters had stop bus service to some of the far off areas in the district.
 The private vehicle owners of these areas are also aghast over the indifferent attitude of the administration. “Our maintenance cost of the vehicle has increased due to the dilapidated road,” the owners said.
 Not only the inner roads, the 57 kilometer long Srinagar- Bandipora highway is also in shambles. “The stretch was partially repaired after the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah released Rs 2 crore last year. But the road condition has again deteriorated,” the frequent commuters told Greater Kashmir.
 When contacted, Minster for Roads and Buildings, Javid Dar said, “Both the main Bandipora-Srinagar and Bandipora-Sopore roads have been handed over to the Economic Reconstruction Agency. The work suspended on these roads due to inclement weather conditions will be restarted soon.”

Lastupdate on : Tue, 22 Feb 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:00:00 IST